The Emeritus Team
Don Blackburn
Don's first exposure to wine began with a grape harvest in Burgundy. During his senior year at the University of Montana, working toward a career in human ecology, he went abroad for a language exchange program that placed him in a vineyard during harvest. He knew instantly his life had taken a turn toward wine. Stateside, Don completed his Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource Conservation with a minor in French then spent the next six years earning a BTS, Brevet de technicien superiéur, with honors in viticulture and enology from the School of Viticulture in Beaune. His education continued in the vineyards and cellars of Burgundy at Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault, Domaine Mongeard-Mugneret in Vosne Romanée, and Château de Monthelie, as well as in Bordeaux at Château Cheval Blanc and Château Giscours, and in Alsace at Maison Trimbach.
Don's transition back to America began in the late 1970s as the Wine Spectator's first French correspondent. His 25-year winemaking career began as production manager at David Bruce Winery then as winemaker at Elliston, Bernardus and Byington wineries. He is a recognized authority on French viticulture and has published numerous articles in Practical Winery and Vineyard Magazine and Vineyard and Winery Management.
Don's approach to Pinot Noir is best stated in his own words:
"Our goal at Emeritus Vineyards is to make wine whose main characteristic-the one transcending varietal and vineyard character-is charm. That quality, for Pinot Noir, is the hallmark of excellence. Pinot Noir is best described in terms that are holistic rather than analytical. Single descriptive adjectives fail to capture the visceral appeal of Pinot Noir. Charm is a seduction that occurs on a subliminal level. The initial dimension of charm is an attribute of mouthfeel. Tactile charm requires perfection in the sense that nothing is lacking. Textural charm is supple yet with vibrant tannins. Charm is also an aromatic quality that is clean and airy, with aromas that work harmoniously toward creating a complete, well-focused impression that gives the taster an ineffable sense of well-being."